Watch The Adventures of Superman

The classic American television series "The Adventures of Superman" was one of the first and most popular adaptations of the comic book characters originally created by cartoonists Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel. With George Reeves playing the role of Superman and his alter-ego Clark Kent, Noel Neill as Lois Lane, John Hamilton as Perry White and Jack Larson as cub reporter Jimmy Olson, the show was known for its well-written plots and ahead of its time special effects.

All episodes were filmed in color except for the first two seasons, and the shows usually revolve around Clark Kent's newspaper colleagues getting into dangerous situations from which only the legendary "Man of Steel" can rescue them. Some of the colorful, larger than life villains from the comic book also make appearances. The show opened each episode with the now famous dramatic theme music which even to this day is always associated with Superman. The stirring ode is officially called "The Superman March."

The show's enduring popularity has meant that all subsequent Superman TV shows and movies have been profoundly influenced by it. George Reeves was an experienced actor who played the Superman role seriously and with style. The special effects were way ahead of their time, although they may look primitive in comparison with what is possible today. Yet any technical limitations are transcended by the ensemble acting that gave the impression that everyone involved respected and enjoyed performing the material. The action is fast-paced and the dialog both believable and even witty.

"The Adventures of Superman" originally ran from 1952 through 1958. However it remained in constant syndication, meaning it was seen by viewers on a regular basis for decades later. The show is no 50's museum piece, but remains a beloved classic experienced and remembered by American television viewers of all generations. A number of books and documentaries have been created about the series and an almost cultish fascination with the program still endures decades after it was originally released.